Yaesu Annouces FT-3DR 5W C4FM/FM 144/430MHz Dual Band Digital Transceiver

Yaesu Annouces FT-3DR 5W C4FM/FM 144/430MHz Dual Band Digital Transceiver

The new FT3DR provides reliable 5W RF power output in compact design and light weight from factor – W2.44” x H3.94” x D1.28”/ 9.95oz (282g). Battery power-saving settings are available for each frequency band with TX output power level (5W/ 2.5W/ 1W/ 0.3W) individually selectable. Even in a compact body, the user can enjoy loud and clear C4FM voice quality from 700mW of audio power. Real Dual Band Operations (V+V, U+U, V+U, U+V) are available with two independent receivers, and the FT3DR supports simultaneous C4FM digital monitoring for both the A and B bands (C4FM/C4FM standby).

The new FT3DR is designed with a high-resolution 320 x 240 dot matrix full color TFT LCD display – which clearly highlights the frequency of the operational bands. Utilizing the Touch Sensitive Screen function of the display, three one- touch-panel keys at the bottom of the display are used for changing the mode, direct frequency entry and various setting from the function menu display with ease of use in mind. With its highly visible full color display, the new High-Resolution Band Scope function is available as one of the new advanced features which enables users to monitor up to 79 channels centered around the current VFO frequency in real time. Number of channels scanned is selectable from from19ch/ 39ch/ 79ch.

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Elecraft K4 – High Performance Direct Sampling SDR Available at Hamvention

Reports have surfaced of a new Elecraft K4 Radio.

Suggested specs as follows

A direct-sampling SDR you’ll love to use

Our new K4 harnesses the latest in signal processing while retaining the best aspects of the K3S and P3. The resulting user interface makes the technology transparent, allowing you to focus on working the world.

Elecraft K4

Elecraft K4

160-6 meter, all-mode coverage & dual RX

The K4 includes dual receive over 100 kHz to 54 MHz. Since it utilizes direct sampling, there’s no need for crystal filters in the K4 or K4D (see Models, back page). For extreme-signal environments, we offer a dual superhet module (standard in the K4HD). An internal VHF/UHF module is also planned.

High-resolution mini-pan for each receiver

Our advanced fine-tuning aid, with its resampled bandwidth as narrow as +/- 1 kHz, is displayed separately from the main panadapter. You can turn it on by tapping either receiver’s S-meter or by tapping on a signal of interest.

Simple operation and setup

The K4 features a large, full-color touch display, combined with a rich set of real controls. Per-VFO transmit metering makes split mode completely foolproof. Band-stacking switches and per-receiver controls are both intuitive and versatile, adapting to operating context. Usage information on these and other features is just one tap away, thanks to our built-in help system.

Rich I/O complement

The rear panel includes all the RF, analog and digital I/O you’ll need to complete your station. All K-line accessories are supported, including amps, ATUs, and our K-Pod station controller. The HDMI video output supports an external display with its own user-specified format.

Full remote control from multiple devices

The K4 can be 100% remote controlled, via Ethernet, from a second K4 as well as a PC, notebook, or tablet. Panadapter data is included on all remote displays.

Modular hybrid architecture

  • The K4 adapts to your needs, with three models to choose from:

  • Basic K4 with wide-range dual receive

  • K4D with diversity receive

K4HD with a dual superhet module for exceptional dynamic range

You can upgrade or add options as desired, or as new technology becomes available. This extensibility applies to software as well. The K4’s powerful, fast-starting CPU provides unlimited expansion opportunities.

Fast signal processing

The RF signal chain in the K4 incorporates parallel hardware processing of data streams, including a dedicated DSP subsystem. This, combined with silent, PIN-diode T/R switching, ensures fast CW break-in. Data and speech-processing delays are also minimized.

Standard DSP features include easy-to-adjust, per-mode RX/TX EQ; clean, punchy RF speech processing; full DVR capabilities; and several built-in data decode/encode modes. Direct-sampling technology results in an ultra-flat passband response for clean RX and TX audio. Since the signal chain is software-defined, the DSP can be field upgraded to add new algorithms and operating modes.

KAT4 ATU

The KAT4 ATU has a nominally 10:1 matching range. It includes 3 antenna jacks, any one of which can be selected as an input for one or both receivers.

Internal VHF/UHF module (future option)

An expansion slot is reserved for a high-performance VHF/UHF module, with output of approximately 15 W. This module will support all modes.

Kit version

A no-soldering kit version of the K4 is planned for later release. Builders will learn about advanced radio technology as they proceed. All modules are pre-aligned and tested.


Arduino and RF from kHz to 1 GHz

Arduino and RF from kHz to 1 GHz

RFZero have announced the RFzero - a multipurpose Arduino RF and GPS controlled platform, that can generate frequencies from 2605 Hz and beyond 200 MHz.

At the same time 28 I/O pins are available and eight of those are via an ULN2803A power driver.

The typical use of the RFzero is as a beacon (IBP, SPB, CW, FT8, JT9, PI4 and WSPR), Qatari Oscar 100 dual LO or as low cost 10 MHz GPSDO. A dozen example programs (sketches) are integrated into the Arduino IDE.

The RFzero has been developed for radio amateurs, RF enthusiasts and everyone else who wants to extend the Arduino skills in combination with RF. The RFzero board is largely compatible with the Arduino Zero and Arduino M0 boards, however, it has been carefully designed for flexible use in RF applications and with attention to the frequency spectrum and stability performance.

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